News

Tree trimming work underway to protect power lines

(Reading) -- Power companies across the state have begun their annual tree trimming work in an effort to protect electricity service during severe weather.

Met-Ed is spending $15 million to trim trees in the 15 counties it serves -- including several in the midstate.

Spokesman Scott Surgeoner says the company is currently focusing on areas in Lebanon and Berks counties.

"Each year, annually, we trim about a quarter of our transmission and distribution rights-of-way," Surgeoner explains. "Those are the areas where we have wires that serve customers. We do that on a four-year cycle in an effort to keep trees away from our conductors."

Surgeoner says contractors have trimmed more than 1,100 miles of right-of-way so far this year, with an additional 1,700 to be completed by the end of the year.

Certified trimmers and arborists do the work and the industry will spend roughly $60 million on the effort statewide.